1 May 2026
PARISH OF Holy Innocents Church Great Barton
REVISION OF CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL
Notice is hereby given that the Church Electoral Roll of the above parish will be revised by the Parochial Church Council*, beginning on Sunday the
3rd day of May 2026, and ending on Saturday the 17th day of May 2026.
After the revision, a copy of the Roll will be published by the Parochial Church Council on the Benefice website https://www.greatbartonandthurston.org.uk for at least 14 days and a copy of the Roll will be available for inspection on a reasonable request being made to the Council.
Under the Church Representation Rules any lay persons are entitled to have their names entered on the roll if the person is—
(a) is baptised,
(b) is aged 16 or over, and
(c) has made one of the following three declarations and duly applied for enrolment.
The first declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it and is resident in the parish.
The second declaration is that the person is a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with it, is not resident in the parish, but has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.
The third declaration is that the person is a member in good standing of a Church which is not in communion with the Church of England but subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and is also a member of the Church of England and has habitually attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months.
Application Forms for enrolment can be obtained from the Church Electoral Roll Officer. In order for a person to be entitled to attend the annual parochial church meeting and to take part in its proceedings, an Application Form for enrolment must be returned by the date shown above for the ending of the revision of the Church Electoral Roll by the Parochial Church Council.
Any error discovered in the Roll should at once be reported to the Church Electoral Roll Officer.
Dated this 3rd day of May 2026
Signed Peter Robinson Address 18 Blackbird Close, Thurston IP31 3PF
Church Electoral Roll Officer
Read more on Holy Innocents Revision of Electoral Roll 2026
27 April 2026
"As the blossoms finally take hold across Great Barton and Thurston, and the days stretch out with the promise, at least, of warmth! - we find ourselves entering May. In the long-standing tradition of the Church, May is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. While this can sometimes feel like an old historical observation, I believe it offers us a vital opportunity to reflect on the indispensable role of women in shaping our faith and building our modern society.
Read more on Fr Ben's May Message
26 March 2026
We sent Warchild some photos of the wonderful Flight of Kites installation, and received this encouraging reply
"We are SO grateful for your support Great Barton and Thurston community because the money you raise will enable War Child to continue to be a force for good. Every penny will help us to provide access to education and the chance for a brighter, happier, and more peaceful future for children living in conflict-affected areas across the world. Thank you for taking the time in creating the beautiful kites and supporting children living through conflict - we are truly humbled by your hard work and dedication!"
Please do consider making a donation via the dedicated Just Giving page below:
or via the QR code on this post - let's see if our villages can send a message of hope out to the rest of Suffolk to support generations of children affected by war.
Here’s how the money you raise could help:
£100 could feed four families who have fled with nothing for a week.
£60 could provide support for a whole family caught up in conflict with all their basic needs for two months, including food and blankets.
£17 could cover the cost of a child being safely reunited with their family.
8 March 2026
Serendipity
Serendipity March 2026
Sing, sing, and more singing
Serendipity
My favourite note is a C sharp, and I love to play in 3 sharps, do not ask me why? It makes me say it is the wonder of music. Take St. Clements, music linked to The day thou gavest Lord is ended.
Last month I shared with you some wonders of music,
very much akin to that of course is singing, in the bath or in church. When Pope John, Wojyla Jozef Wojtyla, came to England in the 1980s, I remember very clearly two things, a) He kissed the ground. b) He said it was important to pray but doubly important to sing. I agree with this to a certain point, but would say both are very important between God and our selves. Another fact that
I find mystifying - is, the composer Brahms was an atheist but all words from the text of his Requiem are direct from the Bible?
I only sing in the bath, Mary! this is so, sadly not every one can sing, I for one would be very sad if I could not sing it is also a gift from the almighty. During Covid, the viewing figures of Songs of Praise went very high. This to me shows the power of the human voice.
"Music is the utterance of words or sound in tuneful succession", bringing joy, happiness, to many.
For so many of us singing began in Sunday School and school. From these beginnings, many of use have gone on to sing in a choir, choral society. It can heal our heart and soul or have you ever had a tune in your brain for days. Remember to sing up in church, it makes you feel so good.
My kindest regards to everyone. Mary
PS Get busy with all that pruning in the front and the back!! Always happy to recommend what you should be up to.
Read more on Serendipity for March
21 February 2026
St Peter’s Church Thurston
We would like to start our fundraising for 2026 by asking if people are prepared to host a ‘Coffee Morning’. As well as raising money, this it is a great social occasion to meet up and bring a friend along. We are happy for ‘The Rock’ to be used as the venue, and there are always people on hand to assist. We are looking to organise one a month starting from March. (The July slot has already been filled)
If you can help
Please contact Pat on 07552 234443 or Margery on 07443 414622
Thank you
Read more on Coffee Morning Help
26 January 2026
CAN YOU HELP US FILL THE SKY AT HOLY INNOCENTS?
We are preparing a special art installation to remember the "Modern Holy Innocents"—the children of Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and the DRC, and all those caught in the darkness of war and conflict today.
Read more on Help Fill The Sky
28 June 2025
All Are Welcome:
Vicar Fr Ben Edwards on Family Life at St Peter's Church, Thurston"
Tell us a bit about being the Vicar of St Peter’s and Holy Innocents Churches and what excites you most about your ministry here?
I’m approaching four years as Vicar here in Thurston and Great Barton, and it’s been such a privilege. I see my role as being a friendly guide for spiritual exploration, helping people discover more about God and the Christian faith in a way that feels relevant to their lives. That includes everything from understanding who Jesus was and what he taught about life, to simply being there for the community during joyful celebrations like Harvest, Christmas, and Easter, and equally during more reflective or challenging times.
Read more on All Are Welcome
12 May 2025
ENJOY SINGING?
JOIN OUR CHURCH CHOIR!
For over 500 years, there has been a robed Church choir singing at the Parish Church in Great Barton. This very friendly group meets every Friday evening at 7.30pm at the Church, and newcomers are made most welcome. We sing a wide range of music.
Read more on Enjoy Singing?
12 January 2025
Did you or a member of your family get engaged this festive season? We'd love to host your wedding ceremony at either of our parish churches, St Peter's Thurston or Holy Innocents Great Barton
Why not email us at admichurch64@gmail.com and get the ball rolling?
Fr Ben will be happy to speak with you about your wedding ceremony requirements.
Congratulations!!!
Read more on Engaged?
PARISH OF St Peter's Church, Thurston
